Mobile pressure tool for rotor blade processes

ABSTRACT

A pressure tool for rotor blade repair including a mobile support system including a support surface, a first bladder support assembly including a first inflatable bladder fixedly mounted to the support surface, a second bladder support assembly including a second inflatable bladder pivotally mounted relative to the support surface, and an activation mechanism operatively coupled to the second bladder support assembly. The activation mechanism is operable to selectively shift the second bladder support assembly relative to the first bladder support assembly. A fluid delivery system is operable to direct a fluid into each of the first inflatable bladder and the second inflatable bladder.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/643,649, filed Jul. 7, 2017, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/359,735, filed on Jul. 8,2016 the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety byreference.

BACKGROUND

Exemplary embodiments pertain to the art of rotor blade process toolsand, more particularly to a mobile pressure tool for rotor bladeprocesses.

Rotary wing aircraft include rotor blades that provide a motive forceincluding both a lifting force and/or a propulsive force. Over time,rotor blades may experience foreign object damage (FOD). FOD may causedelamination, cracks, holes and the like in one or more blade surfaces.Additionally, rotor blades may wear as a result of frictional forces andentrained particles during operation.

Repair methods often include an application of pressure or a combinationof pressure and heat to an area under repair. The pressure and/or heatto activate an adhesive and secure a repair patch to a surface of therotor blade. At a depot, pressure may be applied by bladder tools thatare moved into place with a crane. Multiple operators position thebladder tools at the area to be repaired, bring the bladder toolstogether and apply force. Field repairs often employ a vacuum bag toapply a desired pressure force.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Disclosed is a pressure tool for rotor blade repair including a mobilesupport system including a support surface, a first bladder supportassembly including a first inflatable bladder fixedly mounted to thesupport surface, a second bladder support assembly including a secondinflatable bladder pivotally mounted relative to the support surface,and an activation mechanism operatively coupled to the second bladdersupport assembly. The activation mechanism is operable to selectivelyshift the second bladder support assembly relative to the first bladdersupport assembly. A fluid delivery system is operable to direct a fluidinto each of the first inflatable bladder and the second inflatablebladder.

In addition to one or more of the features described above or below, oras an alternative, further embodiments could include wherein the firstinflatable bladder is fluidically connected to the second inflatablebladder.

In addition to one or more of the features described above or below, oras an alternative, further embodiments could include a base memberoperatively coupled to the support surface.

In addition to one or more of the features described above or below, oras an alternative, further embodiments could include a platformoperatively coupled to the base member.

In addition to one or more of the features described above or below, oras an alternative, further embodiments could include an adjustmentmechanism operable to shift the first platform relative to the basemember.

In addition to one or more of the features described above or below, oras an alternative, further embodiments could include wherein theadjustment mechanism comprises a screw jack.

In addition to one or more of the features described above or below, oras an alternative, further embodiments could include wherein the basemember includes one or more wheel assemblies operable to moveablysupport the mobile support system on a support surface.

In addition to one or more of the features described above or below, oras an alternative, further embodiments could include at least one latchmember operatively coupled to one of the first and second bladdersupport assemblies, the at least one latch member being operable tosecure the first bladder support assembly to the second bladder supportassembly.

In addition to one or more of the features described above or below, oras an alternative, further embodiments could include wherein the atleast one latch member includes a first portion mounted to the secondbladder support assembly and a second portion fixedly mounted relativeto the first bladder support assembly, the first portion including atension adjustment member operable to establish a desired pressurebetween the first bladder support assembly and the second bladdersupport assembly.

In addition to one or more of the features described above or below, oras an alternative, further embodiments could include first and secondsupport arms supporting the first bladder support assembly, the secondportion of the at least one latch member projecting outwardly of one ofthe first and second support arms.

Also disclosed is a method of repairing a rotor blade including rollinga pressure tool mounted to a cart to the rotor blade, positioning therotor blade between a first bladder support assembly fixedly mountedrelative to the cart and a second bladder support assembly pivotallymounted relative to the cart, closing the second bladder support overthe rotor blade, and applying pressure to the rotor blade.

In addition to one or more of the features described above or below, oras an alternative, further embodiments could include wherein applyingpressure to the rotor blade includes inflating a first inflatablebladder arranged at the first bladder support assembly and a secondinflatable bladder arranged at the second bladder support assembly.

In addition to one or more of the features described above or below, oras an alternative, further embodiments could include equalizing pressurein the first inflatable bladder and the second inflatable bladder.

In addition to one or more of the features described above or below, oras an alternative, further embodiments could include centering an areato be repaired on the rotor blade relative to the first bladder supportassembly and the second bladder support assembly.

In addition to one or more of the features described above or below, oras an alternative, further embodiments could include applying heat to anarea to be repaired on the rotor blade arranged between the firstbladder support assembly and the second bladder support assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following descriptions should not be considered limiting in any way.With reference to the accompanying drawings, like elements are numberedalike:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a mobile pressure tool forrepairing rotor blades, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 depicts a side view of the mobile pressure tool of FIG. 1 ; and

FIG. 3 depicts a rotor blade arranged in the mobile pressure tool ofFIG. 1 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosedapparatus and method are presented herein by way of exemplification andnot limitation with reference to the Figures.

A mobile pressure tool, in accordance with an aspect of an exemplaryembodiment, is illustrated generally at 10 in FIG. 1 . Mobile pressuretool 10 includes a mobile support system or cart 14 having a base member19 provided with a number of wheel assemblies 20 that moveably supportmobile support system 14 on a support surface, such as a floor (notseparately labeled). Base member 19 also includes a first support arm 22and a second support arm 23. First and second support arms 22 and 23extend substantially perpendicularly from base member 19. A supportplatform 30 is supported by first and second support arms 22 and 23. Aswill be detailed more fully below, support platform 30 is verticallyadjustable relative to the support surface.

With continued reference to FIG. 1 and further reference to FIGS. 2 and3 , support platform 30 includes a support surface 34 and a beam member40. Beam member 40 projects substantially perpendicularly relative tosupport surface 34 and includes a cantilevered end portion 42. A firstbladder support assembly 44 is fixedly mounted relative to supportsurface 34 and a second bladder support assembly 45 is shiftably mountedrelative to support surface 34 and first bladder support member 45.

In accordance with an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, first bladdersupport assembly 44 includes a first support arm 48 and a second supportarm 49. Second support arm 49 extends substantially parallel to firstsupport arm 48. A first bladder support 54 extends between first andsecond support arms 48 and 49. First bladder support 54 may selectivelyshift relative to first and second support arms 48 and 49 or be lockedinto position through a locking mechanism (not separately labeled). Afirst inflatable bladder 56 is provided at first bladder support 54.

Second bladder support assembly 45 includes a third support arm 60 and afourth support arm 61. Fourth support arm 61 extends substantiallyparallel to third support arm 60. A second bladder support 64 extendsbetween third and fourth support arms 60 and 61. Second bladder support64 may selectively shift relative to third and fourth support arms 60and 61 or be locked into position through a locking mechanism (notseparately labeled). A second inflatable bladder 66 is provided atsecond bladder support 64. A first linking member assembly 69 may beemployed to mechanically connect first support arm 48 with third supportarm 60. A second linking member assembly 70 may be employed tomechanically connect second support arm 49 and fourth support arm 61.

Mobile pressure tool 10 also includes an activation mechanism 80including an adjustable handle portion 82 provided with member 83, suchas a counter-weight 84 and a force application portion 85. Member 83 maytake on a variety of forms including springs, hydraulic actuators andthe like that may counter a weight of second bladder support assembly45. Activation mechanism 80 is supported at cantilevered end portion 42of beam member 40 through a pivot member 86. Pivot member 86 includes afirst side portion 87 and an opposing second side portion 88 withactivation mechanism 80 extending therebetween. Activation mechanism 80pivots about a fulcrum 90 defined by pivot member 86. As will bedetailed more fully below, activation mechanism 80 is selectivelyemployed to pivot second bladder support assembly 45 relative to firstbladder support assembly 44.

Mobile pressure tool 10 further includes a first latch member 94 and asecond latch member 95 for securing second bladder support assembly 45to first bladder support assembly 44. As each latch member 94, 95 issubstantially similarly constructed, a detailed description will followwith respect to first latch assembly 94 with an understanding thatsecond latch assembly 95 may include similar structure. First latchmember 94 includes a first portion 97 mounted to second bladder supportassembly 45 and a second portion 98 mounted to first bladder supportassembly 44. First portion 97 takes the form of a tension adjustmentmember 103 having a handle section 105 operatively coupled to a threadedrod section 106. Threaded rod section 106 includes a terminal endsection (not separately labeled) provided with an eye portion 108.Second portion 98 take the form of a pin 110 that projects outwardly offirst support arm 48. Eye portion 108 receives pin 110 and handlesection 105 is rotated to selectively tighten or loosen latch member 94.

In further accordance with an exemplary aspect, mobile pressure tool 10includes an adjustment mechanism 114 that may be operated to adjust avertical height of support platform 30. Adjustment mechanism 114 maytake the form of a screw jack 116 having a handle 118. Mobile pressuretool 10 also includes a fluid delivery system 120 that selectivelyintroduces fluid, such as air, into first inflatable bladder 56 andsecond inflatable bladder 66. Fluid delivery system 120 includes a knob122 that controls a valve 124 coupled between a source of fluid (notshown) and first and second inflatable bladders 56, 66. A cross-overconduit 130 fluidically connects first and second inflatable bladders toestablish a desired pressure equilibrium. A pressure gauge (notseparately labeled) may be employed to monitor and aid in establishing adesired pressure.

In accordance with an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, a method ofrepairing a rotor blade in accordance with an exemplary aspect will bedescribed. Mobile pressure tool 10 is wheeled over to a rotor blade 140having surface 143 with an area 144 in need of repair. Activationmechanism 80 is manipulated to pivot second bladder support assembly 45to an open position such as shown in FIG. 3 . Adjustment mechanism 114may be manipulated to establish a desired vertical height of supportplatform 30. First and second bladder supports 54 and 64 may also beshifted to a desired position. Rotor blade 140 is positioned betweenfirst and second bladder support assemblies 44 and 45 with the area inneed of repair 144 being centered between first and second inflatablebladders 56 and 66. A patch 147 may be positioned on surface 143 at thearea in need of repair 144. A film 149 may be placed over patch 147.Second bladder support assembly 45 is moved toward first bladder supportassembly 44 and locked into position with first and second latch members94 and 95. First and second latch members 94 and 95 may be selectivelyadjusted to achieve a desired tension on surface 143.

First and second bladder supports 54 and 64 may be released so as tofreely move along respective ones of first and second support arms 48,49 and third and fourth support arms 60, 61. Knob 122 of fluid deliverysystem 120 may be manipulated to introduce a fluid into first and secondinflatable bladders 56 and 66 to establish a desired pressure on surface143. Fluid flows through cross-over conduit 130 thereby equalizingpressure in first inflatable bladder 56 and second inflatable bladder66. After a desired period of time, the fluid may be released from firstand second inflatable bladders 56 and 66. First and second bladdersupports 54 and 64 may be locked in position, latching members 94 and 95release, and second bladder support assembly 45 opened. Mobile pressuretool may be moved away from rotor blade 140.

It is to be understood that prior to closing second bladder supportassembly 45 a heat source, such as a heated blanket 160 may be placedover patch 147 and/or film 149 to aid in activating an adhesive (notshown). It is also to be understood that the use of mobile pressure tool10 eliminates the application of any bending moments that might beapplied to rotor blade 140. The elimination of bending moments isfurther enhanced by allowing first and second bladder supports 54 and 64to freely shift while introducing fluid into first and second inflatablebladders 56 and 66. It is to be still further understood, that mobilepressure tool 10 allows a technician to repair a rotor blade without theneed for further support. It is to be understood, that while describedin terms of repairing a rotor blade, the exemplary embodiments may alsobe employed during other rotor blade processes, such as manufacturing.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the presentdisclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” areintended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearlyindicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms“comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification,specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations,elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence oraddition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations,element components, and/or groups thereof.

While the present disclosure has been described with reference to anexemplary embodiment or embodiments, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents maybe substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope ofthe present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made toadapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the presentdisclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof.Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited tothe particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated forcarrying out this present disclosure, but that the present disclosurewill include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of repairing a rotor blade comprising:rolling a pressure tool mounted to a cart to the rotor blade;positioning the rotor blade between a first bladder support assemblyfixedly mounted relative to the cart and a second bladder supportassembly pivotally mounted relative to the cart; closing the secondbladder support assembly over the rotor blade; and applying pressure tothe rotor blade.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein applying pressure tothe rotor blade includes inflating a first inflatable bladder arrangedat the first bladder support assembly and a second inflatable bladderarranged at the second bladder support assembly.
 3. The method of claim2, further comprising: equalizing pressure in the first inflatablebladder and the second inflatable bladder.
 4. The method of claim 1,further comprising: centering an area to be repaired on the rotor bladerelative to the first bladder support assembly and the second bladdersupport assembly.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: applyingheat to an area to be repaired on the rotor blade arranged between thefirst bladder support assembly and the second bladder support assembly.6. The method of claim 2, further comprising: directing fluid to atleast one of the first inflatable bladder and the second inflatablebladder.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: connecting thefirst bladder support assembly and the second bladder support assemblythrough a linking member.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising:selectively shifting, by the activation member, the second bladdersupport assembly relative to the first bladder support assembly.
 9. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: supporting the first bladdersupport assembly through a first support arm; and supporting the secondbladder support assembly through a second support arm.
 10. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising: coupling at least one latch member to atleast one of the first bladder support assembly and the second bladdersupport assembly; and securing the first bladder support assembly to thesecond bladder support assembly.
 11. The method of claim 1, whereinapplying pressure to the rotor blade includes applying pressure, by anactivation member coupled to the second bladder support assembly andpivotally mounted to a beam member extending outwardly from the cart, tothe rotor blade.
 12. A pressure tool for rotor blade repair comprising:a mobile support system including a support surface; a first bladdersupport assembly including a first inflatable bladder fixedly mounted tothe support surface; a second bladder support assembly including asecond inflatable bladder pivotally mounted relative to the supportsurface; an activation mechanism operatively coupled to the secondbladder support assembly, the activation mechanism being operable toselectively shift the second bladder support assembly relative to thefirst bladder support assembly; a fluid delivery system operable todirect a fluid into each of the first inflatable bladder and the secondinflatable bladder; a base member operatively coupled to the supportsurface; a platform operatively coupled to the base member; and anadjustment mechanism operable to shift the platform relative to the basemember.
 13. The pressure tool for rotor blade repair according to claim12, wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises a screw jack.
 14. Thepressure tool for rotor blade repair according to claim 12, wherein thebase member includes one or more wheel assemblies operable to moveablysupport the mobile support system on a support surface.
 15. The pressuretool for rotor blade repair according to claim 12, wherein the firstinflatable bladder is fluidically connected to the second inflatablebladder.
 16. The pressure tool for rotor blade repair according to claim12, further comprising: at least one latch member operatively coupled toone of the first and second bladder support assemblies.
 17. A pressuretool for rotor blade repair comprising: a mobile support systemincluding a support surface; a first bladder support assembly includinga first inflatable bladder fixedly mounted to the support surface; asecond bladder support assembly including a second inflatable bladderpivotally mounted relative to the support surface; an activationmechanism operatively coupled to the second bladder support assembly,the activation mechanism being operable to selectively shift the secondbladder support assembly relative to the first bladder support assembly;a fluid delivery system operable to direct a fluid into each of thefirst inflatable bladder and the second inflatable bladder; and at leastone latch member operatively coupled to one of the first and secondbladder support assemblies, the at least one latch member being operableto secure the first bladder support assembly to the second bladdersupport assembly.
 18. The pressure tool for rotor blade repair accordingto claim 17, wherein the at least one latch member includes a firstportion mounted to the second bladder support assembly and a secondportion fixedly mounted relative to the first bladder support assembly,the first portion including a tension adjustment member operable toestablish a desired pressure between the first and second bladdersupport assemblies.
 19. The pressure tool for rotor blade repairaccording to claim 18, further comprising: first and second support armssupporting the first bladder support assembly, the second portion of theat least one latch member projecting outwardly of one of the first andsecond support arms.